Higher exam guide
Higher Human Biology
Course code C840 76 · Specification Version 5.0, June 2026 · valid from 2026–27
Your 2027 exam
- Question paper
- – BST
Published national times, in UK local time. Confirm your personal timetable, room and any assessment arrangements with your school or college. Coursework deadlines are set by your centre.
- Results day
- National contingency day
Qualifications Scotland timetable · Version 02, August 2026 · checked .
What changed for 2027?
For 2027, a single 100-mark paper replaces the previous two-paper format. The assignment is scaled to 25 marks.
How the exam is marked
125 course marks after scaling
Question paper
100 marks
80% of the course result
2 hours 30 minutes
Section 1: 20 multiple-choice marks. Section 2: 80 marks for restricted and extended responses. Both sections share one sitting.
Assignment
20 marks
Scaled to 25 course marks · 20% of the course result
8 hours (max 2 hours for the report)
Investigation and report, marked by Qualifications Scotland.
Course areas and revision checklist
Use this summary alongside the full official specification. ScotSpark practice covers selected skills, not every item below; your teacher can help you fill the gaps.
Human cells
- Division and differentiation in human cells
- Structure and replication of DNA
- Gene expression
- Mutations
- Human genomics
- Metabolic pathways
- Cellular respiration
- Energy systems in muscle cells
Physiology and health
- Gamete production and fertilisation
- Hormonal control of reproduction
- The biology of controlling fertility
- Antenatal and postnatal screening
- Arteries, capillaries and veins
- Structure and function of the heart
- Pathology of cardiovascular disease
- Blood glucose levels and obesity
Neurobiology and immunology
- Divisions of the nervous system and neural pathways
- The cerebral cortex
- Memory
- Cells of the nervous system and neurotransmitters
- Non-specific body defences
- Specific cellular defences against pathogens
- Immunisation
- Clinical trials of vaccines and drugs
Exam technique
- From 2026–27 there is a single 100-mark question paper.
- For hormone questions, name the hormone, where it is made and its target.
- For clinical trials, mention randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled design.
Version 5.0, June 2026 · checked . Qualifications Scotland replaced SQA in February 2026; official documents may still use the SQA name. Check for later updates and confirm arrangements with your teacher.